North school shut after blaze

A Portadown primary school was closed today after a weekend fire which is thought to have been started deliberately.

Presentation Convent Primary School in Thomas Street was left without electricity or heating after the blaze, which destroyed its kitchens and damaged the dining hall.

School principal Yvonne Mulholland said she hoped to be able to reopen tomorrow.

But she said the loss of the canteen – which was used for many school activities – was a big blow.

“It is where we hold most of out Christmas activities and its loss is very upsetting,” she said.

The fire was reported to police shortly before 10pm on Saturday and they are appealing for anyone who saw anything suspicious in the area to contact them.